Hi all! I have a question regarding my 14 year old english bulldog. She's been having occasional episodes of heavy breathing, and I can't notice any pattern or reason. These mostly occur at night, and don't seem to be temperature related. It starts with her opening and closing her mouth, putting her head up and sticking her neck out, and then she starts breathing rapidly and loudly. It almost resembles pre-seizure activity, but I've never witnessed a bout of epilepsy. Last night it lasted for two hours, stopped for two, then started up again for about 45 minutes. She tries to lie down but has to sit back up to breathe. We took her to the vet, and he doesn't think it's heart related, which makes me think it's respiratory or mouth related. If I give her water or a treat, she'll stop the breathing to eat or drink but then start back again. The vet suspected old-age-related anxiety and had us try Valium, which seems to have little effect. Also, she seems to have licking episodes during this time. She'll lick the couch, my leg, etc. and often has a large wet spot on the couch beneath her from saliva. She doesn't drool at all typically. If it would be of help, my wife recorded last night's episode on her phone and I could probably figure out how to upload it.
I don't suspect it's diet-related, but for more information, the dog is fed Orijen kibble in the mornings and raw meat in the evenings. Thanks so much for any thoughts.

In a dog with that age and breed I would want my vet to look more at possible cardiac issues. I hate to say it but you could be looking at heart disease. Quick treatment is essential. To be honest I would switch vets if they come up clueless. You could also be looking at simple acid reflux. A trial of Pepcid might rule that one out. Maybe contact a Bulldog breeder in your area for recommendations?

 Quote: Chip Bridges

......It starts with her opening and closing her mouth, putting her head up and sticking her neck out, and then she starts breathing rapidly and loudly......We took her to the vet, and he doesn't think it's heart related, which makes me think it's respiratory or mouth related......The vet suspected old-age-related anxiety and had us try Valium, which seems to have little effect.

The symptoms you describe do not sound like the typical old-age anxiety. If that's what it was, I would expect pacing, panting, whining, etc. What you are describing sounds like breathing difficulty that could very well be related to cardiac issues (like congestive heart failure). I'm really surprised that your vet wouldn't do some diagnostic testing instead of saying he or she "doesn't think it's heart-related." I'd be insisting on a full cardiac workup, or I'd find another vet. (And it could be that your general vet would want to refer you to a cardiologist.)

I come from the experience of having lost my last two dogs to heart issues (dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure, respectively), and currently dealing with a senior who also has dilated cardiomyopathy but has been living with it for four years now, thanks to a few great pharmaceutical drugs.

Breathing issues in a number of the bull dog breeds isn't uncommon regardless of the reasons for it.

Glad to see you OEB has had a log life to this point.

If it were me I would want another vet to look at my dog.

It really surprises me that this Vet didn't have the illuminating idea to examine your poor dog thoroughly. I'd call this outrageous negligence. Do try to find a more responsible one. Fingers crossed!

Thanks, everyone. I don't mean to throw my vet under the bus. I feel like I should have described it better to him, like I did above. When I called to set up the appointment, I said she was panting at nights and acting confused. It had only happened twice at that point (and both incidents started after midnight) and I hadn't seen all the cues that lead up to it. Based on that information, he examined her, listened to her pulse, and said it was remarkable that a dog her age and breed was so fit. I was relieved to hear that, and didn't push for further tests and was happy to try the Valium.
We have a second opinion scheduled for Friday. Will update when we know more. Thank you all!

 Quote: Chip Bridges

Thanks, everyone. I don't mean to throw my vet under the bus. I feel like I should have described it better to him, like I did above. When I called to set up the appointment, I said she was panting at nights and acting confused. It had only happened twice at that point (and both incidents started after midnight) and I hadn't seen all the cues that lead up to it. Based on that information, he examined her, listened to her pulse, and said it was remarkable that a dog her age and breed was so fit. I was relieved to hear that, and didn't push for further tests and was happy to try the Valium.
We have a second opinion scheduled for Friday. Will update when we know more. Thank you all!

Have they checked your dog for Laryngial Paralysis yet ???

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laryngeal_paralysis

It can come & go in geriatric dogs, and Bulldogs are subject to it (not just Labs or larger breeds) and it is often "idiopathic" (presents for no known reason)...

 Quote: Chip Bridges

Thanks, everyone. I don't mean to throw my vet under the bus. I feel like I should have described it better to him, like I did above. When I called to set up the appointment, I said she was panting at nights and acting confused. It had only happened twice at that point (and both incidents started after midnight) and I hadn't seen all the cues that lead up to it. Based on that information, he examined her, listened to her pulse, and said it was remarkable that a dog her age and breed was so fit. I was relieved to hear that, and didn't push for further tests and was happy to try the Valium.
We have a second opinion scheduled for Friday. Will update when we know more. Thank you all!

If her breathing is labored and she feels like she can't get enough air, I'm sure that's something that could cause confusion for a dog. It is an age-old dilemma for pet owners: If only they could tell us exactly what they're feeling! I know vets are only human, too, but I hope yours, with the additional information you will provide, will at least start with a chest x-ray which will show the size of the heart, whether there is any fluid in the lungs, or anything else suspicious in the chest cavity.

Also, due to her being a brachycephalic breed, I would think the vet would want to check into any problems with nasal passages or airway obstructions.

Sending good wishes your way. Let us know.

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For heaven's sake, no don't throw him under the bus" (lol)! guess this just an idiomatic expression. not to be taken literally. If you haven't described the whole situation as you did it here and if you have had good experiences with him until now. then you're right to consult him again. Dependent on how he examines your dog next time you can still decide if you will have to look for another one or not. Best luck!